Bellamy says Smith would have his blessing for shock Maroons comeback

Both Smith and long-time Maroons half-back Cooper Cronk are still in stellar form in the NRL but both are presently retired from Origin.

Smith has battled a minor groin problem in recent weeks which prevented him kicking for goal during the past two games.

Craig Bellamy would give his blessing to a Cameron Smith Origin comeback.Credit:AAP

When asked about Smith’s Origin prospects, Bellamy said his captain was still good enough and would have his “blessing” to play should he want to.

“If Cameron wanted to play Origin again he would do so with my blessing and I imagine the club would be the same,” Bellamy said on Thursday.

“For what he has done for our club and for the game in general, if that is what he wanted to do I wouldn’t stand in his way.”

Smith sits among the leaders for the Dally M award after seven rounds and remains one of the best hookers in the game.

“I haven’t spoken to Cameron about it but it has been a topic among some of the shows,” Bellamy said.

“I think he is playing well enough to play Origin no doubt, he has been up in our top three or four players for nearly every week.

“I’m not quite sure that he would really want to go back and play after making that break last year and I’m not going to approach him about it.

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“If he is thinking about it, then I’m sure he will come and tell me but having said that I can’t see him doing it but strange things happen in our game and in life.

“If I was Kevvie [Walters] I would be very keen for him to play.”

Bellamy added Smith’s injury was much better for the club’s eight-day break between Anzac Day and Friday night’s clash with Cronulla Sharks in Sydney so he would likely kick for goal against the Sharks.

“After this long turnaround I think he would probably be kicking again this week,” Bellamy said.

“He has done a bit of training, not as much as he does usually but I think he will be kicking.”